Turbomachine casing assembly

ABSTRACT

A turbomachine casing assembly including a first casing element locatable radially outward of one or more rotating aerofoil elements of a turbomachine, a second casing element located radially distal to the first casing element is provided. A void is provided between a radially proximal face of the first casing element and a radially proximal face of the second casing element, at the first end of the first casing element. The first end of the first casing element is located against a corresponding first end of the second casing element by an energy absorbing element, with the first casing element; including a cantilever. The cantilever is arranged in a region extending along the first casing element from the first end; and having a pivot axis at a mid portion thereof.

This invention claims the benefit of UK Patent Application No. 1103682.9, filed on 4 Mar. 2011, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a turbomachine casing assembly and particularly, but not exclusively, to a casing assembly for the fan of a turbofan gas turbine engine.

BACKGROUND

Turbofan gas turbine engines for powering aircraft generally comprise inter alia a core engine, which drives a fan. The fan comprises a number of radially extending fan blades mounted on a fan rotor which is enclosed by a generally cylindrical fan casing.

To satisfy regulatory requirements, such engines are required to demonstrate that if part or all of a fan blade were to become detached from the remainder of the fan, that the detached parts are suitably captured within the engine containment system.

It is known to provide the fan casing with a fan track liner which together incorporate a containment system, designed to contain any released blades or associated debris. FIG. 1 shows a partial cross-section of such a casing and fan track liner.

In the event of a “fan blade off” (FBO) event, the detached fan blade 8 travels radially outward and forwards. In doing so, it penetrates the attrition liner 10. It may also penetrate the septum 12 and aluminium honeycomb layer 14 before engaging the hook 18. The fan track liner must therefore be relatively weak in order that any released blade or fragment thereof can pass through it essentially unimpeded and subsequently be trapped by the fan casing.

In addition to providing a blade containment system, the fan track liner includes an annular layer of abradable material which surrounds the fan blades. During operation of the engine, the fan blades rotate freely within the fan track liner. At their maximum extension of movement and/or creep, or during an extreme event, the blades may cut a path into this abradable layer creating a seal against the fan casing and minimising air leakage around the blade tips.

The fan track liner must also be resistant to ice impact loads. A rearward portion of the fan track liner is conventionally provided with an annular ice impact panel. This is typically a glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) moulding which may also be wrapped with GRP to increase its impact strength. Ice which forms on the fan blades is acted on by both centrifugal and airflow forces, which respectively cause it to move outwards and rearwards before being shed from the blades.

The geometry of a conventional fan blade is such that the ice is shed from the trailing edge of the blade, strikes the ice impact panel and is deflected without damaging the panel.

Swept fan blades are increasingly used in turbofan engines as they offer significant advantages in efficiency over conventional fan blades. Swept fan blades have a greater chord length at their central portion than conventional fan blades. This greater chordal length means that ice that forms on a swept fan blade follows the same rearward and outward path as on a conventional fan blade but may reach the radially outer tip of the blade before it reaches the trailing edge. It will therefore be shed from the blade tip and may strike the fan track liner forward of the ice impact panel within the blade off zone.

The liner used with a swept fan blade is therefore required to be strong enough to resist ice impact whilst allowing a detached fan blade to penetrate and be contained therewithin.

In recent years there has been a trend towards the use of lighter fan blades, which are typically either of hollow metal or of composite construction. These lighter blades have a similar impact energy per unit area as an ice sheet, which makes it more difficult to devise a casing arrangement that will resist the passage of ice and yet not interfere with the trajectory of a released fan blade.

It is an objective of this invention to provide a gas turbine engine containment assembly that will substantially overcome the problems described above, and that is particularly suited for use with composite, hollow metallic, or other lightweight, fan blades.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a turbomachine casing assembly, comprising:

-   -   a first casing element locatable radially outward of one or more         rotating aerofoil elements of a turbomachine;     -   a second casing element located radially outward of the first         casing element; and     -   a void, provided between the first casing element and the second         casing element, at a first end of the first casing element;     -   wherein the first end of the first casing element is located         against a corresponding first end of the second casing element         by an energy absorbing element, and     -   the first casing element comprises a cantilever, the cantilever         being arranged in a region extending along the first casing         element from the first end and having a pivot axis at a mid         portion of the first casing element;     -   whereby upon release of one of the rotating aerofoil elements,         the cantilever bends into the void provided between the first         and second casing elements, which causes the energy absorbing         element to deform and to thereby absorb at least some of the         impact energy resulting from the released rotating aerofoil         element.

The casing assembly of the present invention allows a shed fan blade to penetrate the first casing element at a first, or forward, end, whilst remaining rigid to ice impact at the opposite, or rear, end. The competing requirements of fan blade ice shedding loads and fan blade off loads may thus be accommodated in a way that was not previously possible. The manner in which this is done allows for the potential to tune the casing assembly to correctly service each requirement and does so whilst saving weight and easing manufacture.

In addition, by forming a void within the casing assembly, the weight of the assembly can be reduced. This increases the efficiency of the engine and thus makes it more attractive for aircraft applications.

Optionally, a radially distal face of the first casing element is angled relative to a radially proximal face of the second casing element, such that the void is provided therebetween.

By varying the relative geometry of the first and second casing elements, it is possible to vary the size of the void between the first and second casing elements. This makes it is possible to tailor the amount of deflection which the proximal surface of the first casing element is capable of achieving. This enables the casing assembly to be matched to rotor blades of different size and shape.

Optionally, the energy absorbing element comprises a collar.

The use of a separate crushable collar to absorb impact energy allows for easy and convenient alteration to the amount of energy required to deflect the first casing element without the need to change the first casing element itself. Such a collar requires a high initial force to initiate buckling, after which it crushes under the application of a lower load.

Changing the crushable collar is both cheap and simple, making the system convenient and cost effective.

Optionally, the energy absorbing element comprises a fastener.

The use of a fastener which can plastically deform following an impact to thereby absorb some or all of the impact energy can further increase the weight efficiency of the casing element.

Optionally, the radially distal face of the first casing element comprises a slit, the slit being disposed along the pivot axis on the radially distal face of the first casing element and extending substantially through a core of the first casing element.

The use of a slit extending partially or completely across the distal face of the first casing element serves to preferentially weaken the forward portion of the structure. This can reduce the impact load required to cause the front portion of the first casing element to collapse in response to the impact of the detached blade, while allowing the corresponding rear portion to maintain its resistance to ice impact.

Optionally, the slit comprises a linear plurality of apertures extending along the cantilever pivot axis on the radially distal face of the first casing element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the apertures may be rhomboid. In other embodiments, the apertures may have an alternative profile, such as, for example, circular.

The presence of a linear array of apertures along the cantilever pivot axis provides a high stress concentration factor along the pivot axis such that during an FBO event, the first casing element ‘breaks its back’ more readily, thus exposing the hook.

Optionally, the first casing element further comprises a hinge panel bonded to the radially distal face of the first casing element and bridging the cantilever pivot axis.

After being struck by a detached fan blade, the first casing element may fracture across the cantilever pivot axis. The use of a hinge panel which bridges the pivot axis ensures that the two broken sections of first casing element remain attached to one another and are not ejected from the assembly.

The hinge panel may be formed from any composite material such as, for example, glass, carbon, boron or aramid (for example, Kevlar™) fibre reinforced composite.

Optionally, the first casing element further comprises a joining element disposed along the slit and having a plurality of finger portions extending over the radially distal face of the first casing element, wherein alternate finger portions extend from the slit towards opposing ends of the first casing element.

The use of a joining element having finger portions extending from alternate sides of the slit allows a limited amount of axial movement between the two sections of the fractured first casing element, in addition to ensuring that the two sections remain connected to one another.

The axial movement may assist in exposing the hook by ensuring the forward section of the first casing element deflects fully into the void between the first and second casing elements.

Optionally, the second casing element comprises a rack disposed at the first end thereof, the first casing element comprises a pawl disposed at the first end thereof, and wherein in use the pawl engages with the rack to allow radially outward, uni-directional movement of the first casing element relative to the second casing element.

The use of a ratchet retention mechanism ensures that following the impact of a detached blade the first casing element remains in the deflected position and does not flap about or move into the path of the orbiting blades. This is important since the rotor disc will now be out of balance. By securing the first casing element in an outboard position, it is possible to reduce engine drag and the forcing on the blades during ‘windmilling’ following engine shutdown.

Optionally, the turbomachine casing assembly further comprises at least one fastener adapted to connect the first casing element to the second casing element.

Optionally, the first casing element is provided with at least one slotted hole at the first end thereof, the or each hole being adapted to accommodate a respective one of the at least one fastener.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the energy absorbing element comprises at least one pocket disposed at the first end of the first casing element.

A benefit of the energy absorbing element being formed within the first casing element is that no additional components are required for the complete casing assembly. This makes the assembly simple and convenient to install.

Optionally, the or each pocket is formed from a sheet material selected from the group comprising thermoplastics, carbon fibre reinforced plastic, glass fibre reinforced plastic, aramid fibre reinforced plastic, boron fibre reinforced plastic and composites thereof.

Since the casing assembly is intended for use in aircraft applications, it will be subjected to significant variations in atmospheric pressure as a result of changes in altitude. It is therefore necessary for the pocket to be dimensionally stable when subjected to a range of external atmospheric pressures. The use of carbon fibre, glass fibre or other composite material can assist in maintaining the dimensional integrity of the pocket.

Optionally, the or each pocket comprises a skin formed from a rigid material and the or each pocket contains a fluid.

Optionally, the or each pocket is formed from a foam material.

Optionally, each of the one or more rotating aerofoil elements comprises a first cutting portion on a radial end thereof.

The use of a first cutting portion on a radial end of the aerofoil element ensures that the pocket is reliably penetrated and collapsed during a FBO event. Once the pocket has collapsed, the hook is exposed in readiness for the blade being captured.

Optionally, a second cutting portion is disposed at the first end of the first casing element.

Optionally, a force transfer feature is disposed within the or each pocket, the force transfer feature extending between the proximal face of the first casing element and the second cutting portion.

The force transfer feature provides a direct load path between the proximal face of the first casing element and the second cutting portion disposed at the first end of the first casing element. This results in the impact of a detached blade being more likely to initiate the rupture of the or each pocket.

Optionally, the or each pocket contains a liquid.

The use of a liquid as a filler for the pocket has the benefit of making the pocket less susceptible to changes in dimensional form with changes in altitude (i.e. variation in atmospheric pressure).

Optionally, the liquid is a contact adhesive which catalyses when in contact with air.

After a detached blade has penetrated the pocket, it is desirable for the pocket to remain in a collapsed condition in order to ensure that the detached blade and any debris remains trapped within the casing assembly. This may be achieved by adding to the pocket a small amount of a contact adhesive which cures upon contact with air which ensures that the pocket remains in a collapsed condition. Adhesive that escapes the pocket may advantageously trap stray debris which may be useful in post-FBO event analysis.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the energy absorbing element comprises a plurality of resilient leaf elements.

The use of a plurality of leaf elements provides a simple and effective means of providing an energy absorbing element which occupies a minimum volume of space.

Optionally, the or each leaf element is formed from a material selected from the group comprising thermoplastic, carbon fibre and glass fibre materials and composites thereof.

Optionally, the first casing element comprises an infill element disposed between the proximal and distal faces thereof, and wherein the plurality of leaf elements are each bonded to a first end of the infill element.

Optionally, an end of each of the plurality of leaf elements is bonded to a binder block, the binder block being attached to the first end of the infill element.

The use of a binder block to accommodate an end of each of the leaf elements makes the assembly of the first casing element easier and more convenient.

Optionally, each of the plurality of leaf elements is attached to one another.

Optionally, each of the plurality of leaf elements is attached to one another by through stitching.

In one embodiment of the present invention the plurality of leaf elements are through stitched to one another. In other arrangements, the leaf elements may be adhesively bonded to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There now follows a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of non-limiting example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a partial, sectional view of a conventional fan track liner as used in a gas turbine engine casing;

FIG. 2 shows a partial, sectional view of a fan casing assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a partial, sectional view of a fan casing assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show details of alternative fastening arrangements for the fan casing assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a fan track liner according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a partial, perspective view of a fan track liner according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a fan track liner according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a partial, sectional view of a fan casing assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a partial, sectional view of a fan casing assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a partial, sectional view of an alternative arrangement of the fan casing assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 shows a partial, sectional view of the fan casing assembly of FIG. 8 in which the pocket incorporates one or more cutting features;

FIG. 12 shows a partial, sectional view of the fan casing assembly of FIG. 8 including a force transfer feature incorporating a cutting feature;

FIG. 13 shows a partial, sectional view of a fan casing assembly according to an eighth embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 14 a and 14 b show partial, sectional views of the fan casing assembly of FIG. 13, before and after the impact of a fan blade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 2, a fan casing assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 100 and comprises a first casing element 110 and a second casing element 120.

The first casing element 110 has a first end 112, a radially proximal surface 114 and a radially distal surface 116, and the second casing element 120 has a first end 122, a radially proximal surface 124 and a radially distal surface 126.

The first casing element 110 at least partially encloses one or more rotating aerofoil structures 130. These aerofoil structures 130 may comprise blades of a turbomachine, in particular compressor fan blades. The second casing element 120 is disposed radially distal to the first casing element 110.

The turbomachine casing assembly 100 comprises a plurality of first casing elements 110 circumferentially disposed about a curve defined by the blade tip path of the one or more aerofoil structures 130 of the turbomachine. The first and/or second casing elements 110,120 may typically be metallic and may, for example, be formed of aluminium, titanium, steel or any other suitable metal. The first and/or second casing elements 110,120 may typically be formed from fibre reinforced composite materials which may include some integral metallic features.

The first end 112 of the first casing element 110 is aligned with the first end 122 of the second casing element 120 and is maintained in its radial position relative to the fan blades 130 by an energy absorbing element in the form of a crushable collar 140.

In an alternative arrangement, the energy absorbing element takes the form of a fusible or stretchable fastener 142, such as a bolt, as shown in FIG. 3. The stretchable bolt 142 connects the first end 112 of the first casing element 110 to the first end 122 of the second casing element 120. As shown in FIG. 5, these fasteners 142 extend through holes 144 in a forward rail 118 extending across the width of the first end 112 of the first casing element 110. As a further alternative, these holes 144 further comprise slots 146 a,146 b, as shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. The use of slotted holes allows the first end 112 of the first casing element 110 to hinge and move axially whilst the fasteners 142 stretch to failure.

A ratchet retention mechanism 160 is provided at the juncture of the first ends 112,122 of the first and second casing elements 110,120. This mechanism 160 takes the form of a linear rack 162 which is disposed at the first end 122 of the second casing element 120 and a pawl 164 disposed on the first end 112 of the first casing element 110. The pawl 164 engages with the rack 162 such that the first casing element 110 is able to move radially outwards but is not able to return to its original position.

The casing assembly 100 comprises an infill member 170, in the form of a structural liner positioned between the proximal 114,116 and distal surfaces of the first casing element 110. The infill member 170 may be formed from a frangible or crushable structure, such as acoustic foam or honeycomb material.

The honeycomb material may be formed from a metal, such as aluminium, or from a non-metallic material, such as Nomex™ (a flame resistant aramid material).

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the infill member 170 may be formed as a separate, discrete layer positioned between the first and second casing elements 110,120.

Each first casing element 110 includes, on its radially proximal surface 114, an abradable layer 117 (see FIG. 5). The abradable layer 117 is attached to the infill member 170. An exemplary material for the abradable layer 117 is an epoxy resin or a polysulphide sealant, which may be curable at room temperature. The abradable layer 117 provides a surface against which the fan blade 130 is able to rub and cut a path for itself. For example, the fan blades 130 may rub against the abradable layer 117 and form a seal during normal engine operation.

Optionally, a septum layer (not shown) may be provided as an interlayer between the abradable layer 117 and the infill member 170. The septum layer may be metallic or may be formed from a carbon fibre and/or glass fibre reinforced composite material.

As shown in FIG. 2, the forward portion of the distal face 116 of the first casing element 110 is angled relative to the corresponding proximal face 124 of the second casing element 120 such that a void 134 is defined between the first and second casing elements 110,120 at their forward, or first, ends 112,122.

The relative angled arrangement between the forward portions of the first and second casing elements 110,120 results in the forward portion of the first casing element 110 forming a cantilever structure 180. The cantilever 180 is arranged in the region extending along the first casing element 110 from the first end 112 and having a pivot axis 182 at a mid portion of the first casing element 110.

The cantilever 180 is arranged such that upon release of one of the fan blades 130, the cantilever 180 bends into the void 134 provided between the first and second casing elements 110, 120. The length of the cantilever 180 is arranged to be large enough to provide purchase for the fan blade 130 and/or to develop enough bending moment to cause collapse of the first casing element 110 at the cantilever pivot 182.

The distal (radially outer) surface 116 of the first casing element 110 may be provided with a linear array of rhomboid apertures 184 (see FIG. 5) which are formed across the width of the first casing element 110 at the cantilever pivot axis 182. In addition, the infill member 170 is severed at the pivot axis 182.

In other arrangements, the first casing element 110 may be provided with apertures 184 of an alternative shape. Alternatively, in preference to providing apertures 184 on the distal surface 116, the ply orientation of the structure of the distal surface 116 may be locally modified at the pivot axis 182.

A further alternative arrangement, shown in FIG. 6, involves cutting through the distal surface 116 of the first casing element 110 at the cantilever pivot axis 182 and attaching a strong, flexible material, such as a Kevlar™ patch 186, across the pivot axis 182, to form a hinge.

A still further alternative, shown in FIG. 7, involves cutting through the distal surface 116 of the first casing element 110 and the infill member 170 at the cantilever pivot axis 182 to form a slit 188, and cutting the distal surface 116 to form a plurality of finger portions 192 which extend along the distal surface 116 of the first casing element 110, with a plurality of ligaments 194 therebetween. These finger portions 192 are attached to the distal surface 116 of the first casing element 110 with alternate finger portions 192 extending towards opposite ends of the first casing element 110.

When the forward section of casing element 116 is forced outwards, the slit 188 widens and the hinge point 182 is allowed to fracture the ligaments 194. This results in the separation of the first casing element 110 into two sections with the forward section being allowed to move forwards and radially outwards. The finger portions 192 serve to retain the two sections of the first casing element 110 together to prevent complete separation while allowing relative movement of the forward section.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the slit 188 may be filled with, for example, a non-setting filler or low tensile strength filler material. This would allow for the transmission of compressive loads across the slit 188 whilst allowing the slit 188 to open when the forward section of the first casing element 110 hinges about the hinge portion 182.

The second casing element 120 comprises a fan blade retaining feature 128 disposed at a forward, or first, end thereof, in the form of a hooked portion 128. The hooked portion 128 extends radially inwardly and then axially in a rearward direction, and corresponds to the hook 18 of FIG. 1.

In use, if a fan blade 130 becomes detached, it first strikes the proximal surface 114 of the forward portion of the first casing element 110. The energy associated with this impact event is then transferred to and absorbed by the energy absorbing element, for example by the compressive crushing of the crushable collar 140 and the infill member 170. This allows the forward portion of the first casing element 110 to deform radially outwards, exposing the hook 128. As the detached blade 130 continues to travel forwards and radially outwards, the blade tip engages with the hook 128 and subsequently becomes trapped in the casing assembly 100, thus preventing the blade 130 from travelling forward of the first end 122 of the second casing element 120.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a fan casing assembly according to sixth and seventh embodiments of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 200. Features of the fan casing assembly 200 which correspond to those of fan casing assembly 100 have been given corresponding reference numerals for ease of reference.

The fan casing assembly 200 has a first casing element 210 and a second casing element 120.

In this embodiment, the first casing element 210 has a first end 212, a radially proximal surface 214 and a radially distal surface 216. The radially distal surface 216 of the first casing element 210 corresponds to the radially proximal surface 124 of the second casing element 120.

A rigid, hollow or fluid filled pocket 230 is disposed between the radially proximal and distal surfaces 214,216 at the first end 212 of the first casing element 210 and extends from the first end 212 towards a mid portion of the first casing element 210. An infill member 270 extends from the pocket 230 at the mid portion of the first casing element 210 to the rear end thereof.

While the embodiment described shows a single pocket 230, in other arrangements there may be two or more pockets.

The pocket 230 is filled with a pressurised gas. Alternatively, the pocket 230 may be filled with a liquid such as, for example, an epoxy resin. It may be advantageous for the epoxy resin to cure in response to UV radiation or to include a catalyst which cures in contact with air. In arrangements in which there is more than one pocket 230, a two part resin, or adhesive filler, may be utilised in which mixing of the components takes place after the fan blade 130 has penetrated the pockets 230.

Alternatively, the pocket 230 may be formed as a region of foam material 240, as shown in FIG. 9. In the arrangement of FIG. 9, the foam material may be provided on its radially innermost surface with an abradable skin.

In an alternative arrangement, shown in FIG. 10, a primary pocket 232 is disposed at the first end 212 of the first casing element 210 and a plurality of secondary pockets 234 are disposed adjacent to the primary pocket 232 and extending behind a portion of the infill member 270 towards the rear of the first case element 210. The primary and secondary pockets 232,234 may or may not be in fluid communication with one another. This arrangement can provide a more progressive collapse mechanism to the impact by a fan blade 130.

The abradable layer 117 extends across both the infill member 270 and the fluid-filled pocket 230 on the proximal surface of the first casing element 210.

The pocket 230 itself is formed from a reinforced fabric material such as, for example, carbon fibre or glass fibre reinforced composite materials or a mixture thereof. Other materials, such as thermoplastics and aramid or metallic fibres or foils, may be used to form the pocket.

A cutting portion 250 is provided on a forward portion of the fan blade 130. This cutting portion 250 takes the form of a plurality of sharp projections. The position of the cutting portion 250 on the blade tip is arranged such that during a heavy tip rub condition, the cutting portion 250 does not contact the abradable layer 117.

In other arrangements, the cutting portion may comprise an abrasive coating applied to a portion of the blade tip.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the cutting portion 260 may be disposed on an inner surface of the first casing element 210. In these arrangements, the cutting portion 250 is disposed on an inner surface 218 of the first casing element 210 and is in direct contact with the skin of the pocket 230. Consequently, impact energy applied to the abradable layer 117 is transferred to the cutting portion 260 where it may be applied to the pocket 230.

In the arrangement of FIG. 12, a force transfer feature 224 is provided within the pocket 230 which transfers a load applied to the proximal surface 214 of the first casing element 210 to the interface between the cutting portion 260 and the pocket. In this way, no modification to the fan blade 130 to include a cutting portion 250 is required. As shown in FIG. 12, the force transfer feature 224 may be configured (in this embodiment with holes/hollow sections) to allow deformation of the force transfer feature 224 so as not to overly impede the travel of the detached blade 130 on its course to be trapped by the hook 128 and the second casing element 120.

In use, when the blade 130 becomes detached, it penetrates the abradable layer 117 and the cutting portion 260 punctures the pocket 230. This allows the blade 130 to travel into the void defined by the pocket and exposes the hook 128 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) which engages with the blade 130 to trap it within the casing assembly 200.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a fan casing assembly according to an eighth embodiment of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 300. Features of the fan casing assembly 300 which correspond to those of fan casing assembly 100 have been given corresponding reference numerals for ease of reference.

The fan casing assembly 300 has a first casing element 310 and a second casing element 120.

In this embodiment, the first casing element 310 has a first end 312, a radially proximal surface 314 and a radially distal surface 316. The radially distal surface 316 of the first casing element 310 abuts against the radially proximal surface 124 of the second casing element 120.

The first casing element 310 includes, on its radially proximal surface, an abradable layer 117 which is attached to an infill member 370. The abradable layer 117 has a proximal surface 350 and a distal surface 352.

The forward portion of the first casing element 310 comprises a plurality of resilient leaf elements 340 arranged in a stack and aligned with the axis of the fan casing assembly 300.

In this embodiment, the length of each leaf element 340 increases through the stack in a radially outward direction. Thus the shortest leaf element 340 is immediately adjacent to the abradable layer 117 and the longest is furthest from the abradable layer 117.

The leaf elements 340 are formed from a resilient material such as, for example a thermoplastic, carbon fibre or glass fibre laminate.

The leaf elements 340 are independent of one another and are mounted in a slotted elastomeric binder block 342 which is disposed laterally across the width of the first casing element 310. In this embodiment, the binder block 342 is formed from an elastomeric (rubber) material. In other embodiments, the binder block 342 may be formed from an alternative resilient material.

The binder block 342 abuts the forward edge of the infill member 370 and is angled rearwards. The leaf elements 340 are biased towards the proximal surface 314 of the first case element 310 and they may be through stitched 346 to maintain them in their biased position. In this way, the biased stack of leaf elements 340 abuts the distal face 352 of the abradable layer 117.

The forward ends of the plurality of resilient leaf elements 340 extend beyond the first end 312 of the first casing element 310 and are arranged to contact a distal surface of the hook 128.

In use, when a blade 130 becomes detached, it penetrates the abradable layer 117 and impacts the stack of resilient leaf elements 340. Some of the energy of the impact is dissipated in tearing the stitching 346 which holds the stack of leaf elements 340 together which results in the elements 346 deflecting and returning to their straight configuration. This in turn exposes the hook 128 which engages with the blade 130 to trap it within the casing assembly 300.

The casing assemblies disclosed herein are equally applicable to solid and hollow fan blades and may be used with light-weight (hollow line-core, or solid or hollow composite) fan blades. The casing assemblies may also be used with aerofoil structures, e.g. fan blades, comprising a principal load-carrying member at the front of the aerofoil structure such as a picture frame or metallic sheath. The present disclosure may also be applied to swept or unswept aerofoil structures.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. A turbomachine casing assembly, comprising: a first casing element located radially outward of one or more rotating aerofoil elements of a turbomachine; a second casing element located radially outward of the first casing element; and a void, provided between the first casing element and the second casing element, at a first end of the first casing element; wherein the first end of the first casing element is located against a corresponding first end of the second casing element by an energy absorbing element, and the first casing element comprises a cantilever, the cantilever being arranged in a region extending along the first casing element from the first end and having a pivot axis at a mid portion of the first casing element; whereby upon release of one of the rotating aerofoil elements, the cantilever bends into the void provided between the first and second casing elements, which causes the energy absorbing element to deform and to thereby absorb at least some of the impact energy resulting from the released rotating aerofoil element.
 2. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a radially distal face of the first casing element is angled relative to a radially proximal face of the second casing element, such that the void is provided therebetween.
 3. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy absorbing element comprises a collar.
 4. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy absorbing element comprises a fastener.
 5. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the radially distal face of the first casing element comprises a slit, the slit being disposed along the pivot axis on the radially distal face of the first casing element and extending substantially through a core of the first casing element.
 6. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the slit comprises a linear plurality of apertures extending along the cantilever pivot axis on the radially distal face of the first casing element.
 7. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 2, the first casing element further comprising a hinge panel bonded to the radially distal face of the first casing element and bridging the cantilever pivot axis.
 8. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 5, the first casing element further comprising a joining element disposed along the slit and having a plurality of finger portions extending over the radially distal face of the first casing element, wherein alternate finger portions extend from the slit towards opposing ends of the first casing element.
 9. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in any one of claim 1, the second casing element comprising a rack disposed at the first end thereof, the first casing element comprising a pawl disposed at the first end thereof, and wherein in use the pawl engages with the rack to allow radially outward, uni-directional movement of the first casing element relative to the second casing element.
 10. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one fastener adapted to connect the first casing element to the second casing element.
 11. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first casing element is provided with at least one slotted hole at the first end thereof, the or each hole being adapted to accommodate a respective one of the at least one fastener.
 12. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy absorbing element comprises at least one pocket disposed at the first end of the first casing element.
 13. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the or each pocket is formed from a sheet material selected from the group comprising thermoplastics, carbon fibre reinforced plastic, glass fibre reinforced plastic, aramid fibre reinforced plastic, boron fibre reinforced plastic and composites thereof.
 14. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the or each pocket comprises a skin formed from a rigid material and the or each pocket contains a fluid.
 15. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the or each pocket is formed from a foam material.
 16. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein each of the one or more rotating aerofoil elements comprises a first cutting portion on a radial end thereof.
 17. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein a second cutting portion is disposed at the first end of the first casing element.
 18. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein a force transfer feature is disposed within the pocket and extending between the first casing element and the second cutting portion.
 19. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the or each pocket contains a liquid.
 20. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the liquid is a contact adhesive which catalyses when in contact with air.
 21. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy absorbing element comprises a plurality of resilient leaf elements.
 22. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein the or each leaf element is formed from a material selected from the group comprising thermoplastic, carbon fibre and glass fibre materials and composites thereof.
 23. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 21, the first casing element comprising an infill element disposed between a proximal face and the distal face thereof, and wherein the plurality of leaf elements are each bonded to a first end of the infill element.
 24. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 23, wherein an end of each of the plurality of leaf elements is bonded to a binder block, the binder block being attached to the first end of the infill element.
 25. The turbomachine casing element as claimed in claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of leaf elements is attached to one another.
 26. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 25, wherein each of the plurality of leaf elements is attached to one another by through stitching.
 27. The turbomachine casing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the radially proximal face of the first casing element is contiguous with the radially proximal face of the second casing element to form an uninterrupted surface. 